Mahmoud Khalil returns home: vows to escalate protests against Israel’s Gaza war

Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and prominent activist, has returned to the Northeast U.S. after spending 104 days in custody for protesting Israel’s war in Gaza.

Khalil, who led the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) movement, has vowed to escalate protests despite his detention. “The U.S. government is funding this genocide, and Columbia University is investing in this genocide,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment: “Even if they would kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine.”

His detention sparked significant controversy. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez condemned it as a violation of the First Amendment and “an affront to every American.” Meanwhile, a New Jersey judge, Michael Farbiarz, ruled Khalil a lawful permanent resident who was neither a flight risk nor dangerous, suggesting his prolonged detention since March was potentially punitive.

However, the Department of Homeland Security criticized the judge’s decision, asserting that only an immigration judge has authority over Khalil’s release or detention. The White House, through spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, accused Khalil of “fraud and misrepresentation” and “conduct detrimental to American foreign policy interests,” signaling intent to appeal and remove him from the U.S.

Khalil’s case highlights tensions between activism, immigration law, and U.S. foreign policy amid ongoing protests against Israel’s Gaza war.

Key quotes:
“The U.S. government is funding this genocide, and Columbia University is investing in this genocide.”
“Even if they would kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine.”
“His detention violated the First Amendment and was an affront to every American.”

Key stats:
104 days in custody
Prolonged detention since March

Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and activist, has returned to the U.S. Northeast after 104 days in custody for protesting Israel’s Gaza war. He vows to escalate protests, condemning U.S. and university support for the conflict. His detention sparked criticism from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and legal debate.